There are 5 types of IUD — here’s how long each works to prevent pregnancy, and what their side effects are

Caroline Praderio/INSIDER Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are some of the most effective birth control options out there. Depending on the brand, IUDs can prevent pregnancy for up to 8–10 years. IUDs vary in size and hormone dose, but most of them work the same way.

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are growing in popularity as long-acting birth control options. This birth control device sits inside the uterus and keeps sperm cells away from a person’s eggs, preventing pregnancy. Depending on the type, IUDs can be effective for up to 8 to 10 years, according to Planned Parenthood.

Some 16% of birth control users between the ages of 15 and 49 reported using IUDs or contraceptive implants in recent years, according to the Guttmacher Institute. IUDs are widely considered one of the most effective birth control methods out there. Unlike other methods of contraception, the IUD takes out the possibility of human error.

Once it’s in place, the device continues to release hormones (or repel sperm with copper, in the case of Paragard) and the user doesn’t even have to think about it.  There are four different hormonal IUDs offered in the US, as well as one non-hormonal option. You might wonder if one model is better than the others, but for most people, it’s just a matter of how long you want to prevent pregnancy.

Here’s how long each IUD lasts once it’s inserted. !function(){“use strict”;window. addEventListener(“message”,(function(e){if(void 0!==e.

data[“datawrapper-height”]){var t=document. querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var a in e. data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r=0;rMirenaHow long it lasts: 8 yearsThe US Food and Drug Association recently approved the Mirena IUD for an additional year of use.

In clinical trials, Mirena continued to prevent pregnancy at rates exceeding 99% from 6–8 years after insertion. Mirena is the most commonly used IUD and has been on the market since 2000 — making it the oldest out of all the hormonal options. Like the other hormonal IUDs, Mirena releases the hormone levonorgestrel into the uterus.

This prevents pregnancy in two ways: it makes mucus thick enough to block sperm from getting to an egg, and it can stop the eggs from leaving the ovaries in the first place. LilettaHow long it lasts: 6 yearsLiletta is essentially identical to Mirena, but it’s made at a lower cost. While both IUDs contain 52 milligrams of levonorgestrel, Liletta was developed specifically for public health clinics that serve low-income populations.

Since it was approved in 2015, Liletta has been available through the national 340B Drug Pricing Program at a significant discount, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.  The FDA approved Liletta for up to six years of use in 2019, but it’s possible that the manufacturer will apply to extend that duration once longer-term data is available. KyleenaHow long it lasts: 5 yearsKyleena, the newest IUD, was approved by the FDA for up to five years of use in September 2016.

It’s made by Bayer, the same company that manufactures Mirena. However, Kyleena is often recommended to younger women who have not had children because it is a smaller size. Kyleena also contains a lower level of hormones (19.

5 mg levonorgestrel), so it’s not effective for as long as Mirena. SkylaHow long it lasts: 3 yearsBefore Kyleena came on the market, Skyla was the first mini-IUD to be approved by the FDA in 2013. It is also manufactured by Bayer and meant for women who have not had children.

It contains 13. 5 mg of levonorgestrel, so it is effective for up to three years.  ParagardHow long it lasts: 10 yearsParagard works differently from the hormonal IUDs.

Non-hormonal IUDs use copper to prevent pregnancy, since sperm can’t go near the metal. While most IUDs release small amounts of hormones that will also alter or stop a person’s period, those who use Paragard will continue to get their period monthly. Some people may experience a heavier period or cramping with the copper IUD compared to hormonal options, according to Planned Parenthood.

However, Paragard also comes with its benefits. It can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years, making it the longest-acting IUD available in the US. It’s also effective as emergency contraception — preventing pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex — which is not the case for hormonal IUDs.

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